Nine Boston Nonprofits Participating in First Ever National Giving Day Campaign for LGBTQ Community

“This is a year of great momentum for the LGBT community and each one of us has the power to make it even greater. We can’t be satisfied until every member of our community can live freely and equally. If you support the LGBT organizations that matter most to you on Give OUT day, we’ll move ever closer to making that dream a reality.” – Lee Swislow, GLAD Executive Director

To support GLAD on Give OUT Day, submit your donation May 9 at www.GiveOUTDay.org and Tweet with the hashtag #GiveOUT. You can also schedule your donation in advance.

BOSTON – Nine local nonprofit organizations will participate in Give OUT Day, the very first national initiative to mobilize thousands of donors across the country to give in support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer (LGBTQ) nonprofit community on May 9. The day is organized by Bolder Giving, in partnership with the Kevin J. Mossier Foundation and Forward Motion.

“Give OUT Day aims to raise awareness of the need to support LGBTQ nonprofits and elevate the level of LGBTQ philanthropy,” stated Bolder giving Executive Director Jason Franklin.

According to Give OUT Day Coordinator Noris Chayarria, Give OUT Day centers on a new giving design – the power of social media and online giving in a 24-hour donation challenge arena. Massachusetts organizations including MassEquality, Fenway Health, The Theater offensive, The Network/La Red, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), Bisexual Resource Center, Family Equality Council, Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC), and North East Transwomen’s Alliance Inc. (NETA), join more than 400 organizations from all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, all participating in Give OUT Day.

“This is a year of great momentum for the LGBT community and each one of us has the power to make it even greater,” said Lee Swislow, executive director of GLAD. “But we can’t be satisfied until every member of our community can live freely and equally. If you support the LGBT organizations that matter most to you on Give OUT day, we’ll move ever closer to making that dream a reality.”

“MassEquality has a history of being at the forefront of the LGBTQ movement, and we are proud to continue that tradition by participating in this innovative national campaign to raise funds for LGBTQ nonprofits,” said MassEquality Executive Director Kara Suffredini. “We are happy to stand with our fellow Massachusetts LGBTQ organizations to help each other advance equality in our state. MassEquality remains dedicated to ensuring that all people are equal, safe and free, from cradle to grave.”

“Give OUT Day is a great way to support the LGBT organizations in MA you care about, as well as to learn more about LGBT organizations across the country. You can learn about who supports them and why, which may inform your philanthropy as you think about participating in Give OUT Day,” said Timothy Harwood, vice president of development at Fenway Health.

Abe Rybeck, executive artistic director for The Theater Offensive: OUT in Your Neighborhood, remarked, “Bombs rocked our office and rehearsal space on 4/15, then closed them for nine days as a crime scene. While we’re heartened by the philanthropic response for individuals injured in the attack, Give OUT Day can help us make long-lasting, creative change for folks in our neighborhoods who face life-threatening bigotry and violence every day. It is important for us to continue to work together to build a stronger community and deepen our connection to our neighbors to bring bold, OUT theater.”

“Family Equality Council is proud to participate in Give OUT Day,” said Brent Wright, director of programs. “Our work to connect, support and represent families with LGBT parents and their children, both in Massachusetts and across the country, would not be possible without a strong community of support. We are honored to stand with our partners in Massachusetts to raise awareness and support for all our work.”

“Massachusetts is a leader in LGBTQ advocacy, and donations are a critical tool for getting our work done,” noted Robyn Ochs, a co-founder of the Bisexual Resource Center and a donor to several organizations participating in Give OUT Day I hope that lots of people will step up to the plate and give what they can.”

“The Network/La Red is excited to be part of this grassroots campaign to raise funds for our communities from our communities,” stated Beth Leventhal, executive director of The Network/La Red. “Our work to end LGBQ/T domestic violence does not happen in isolation, and we are proud to partner with organizations around Massachusetts and around the country in this effort to advance all of our work.”

“Without the generous giving of individuals invested in our mission, HBGC would not be able to provide critical resources and services to Boston’s Latino and Black LGBTQ community. We’re excited to participate in Give OUT Day and help increase the visibility and sustainability of so many LGBTQ organizations doing great work nationwide,” noted Corey Yarbrough, executive director and co-founder of HBGC.

Lillith Ann Ponticelli, president of NETA, added, “I think this is an awesome groundbreaking opportunity to network and collaborate with other local organizations to further the cause in the LGBTIQ community.”

To participate in Give OUT Day, submit your donation to one of these nine Massachusetts-based nonprofits on Give OUT Day, visit www.GiveOUTDay.org on May 9 and Tweet with the hashtag #GiveOUT.